Christmas Newsletter

Dear Friends & Family,

This has been a great year. We feel truly grateful to our Heavenly Father for all of our many blessings. There have been two major changes: a baby and moving to a new home.

BM joined our family in March and turned our lives upside down (in a good way of course). He is our serious Mr. Boy. He rarely smiles at strangers and stares so intently that sometimes they squirm. He feels no need to give a courtesy laugh when his mom sings and dances for him. BM does giggle uncontrollably when his dad tickles his ribs. We love this little guy more than we ever thought was possible.

HeRoos continues to enjoy his job as a software engineer. We feel grateful that he has a steady income and enjoys what he does. Being a father and husband seem to come naturally to him. He spoils us with his love and attention. He's hoping to spend time improving his golf swing as soon as the weather warms up.

SheRoos is learning that being a mom is HARD work but the best thing ever. She has made friends in her new neighborhood who she enjoys walking with and having play dates with. Her inner homemaking skills are finally emerging-on most days she enjoys cooking and keeping the home comfortable.

We feel very blessed to have sold our home so quickly and moved into a new one. It worked out so well that it feels like it was meant to be. We love living closer to the mountains and are happy with the change. SheRoos also likes being able to meet her mom for lunch.

We decided to take advantage of the free flying rules for babies under two. We flew to San Diego in August and had a great time at the zoo and visiting friends. We rented a car. Not just any car...but a convertible. It was quite the adventure. Nothing fit in the trunk. We had to put the suitcases and stroller in the backseat with BM. On our way to Moorpark the car had problems and we had to trade it in for a...mini van! That is such our life - from convertible to mini van in less than five minutes. To make this story even longer, somehow we got a dent in the van bumper and had to pay for the $650 repair (we didn't choose to get the rental insurance). Regardless, we had a great time and BM enjoyed his first time on an airplane, at the beach, at the zoo, and at Magic Mountain.

BM proved he could be a good travel companion so we took him to the East Coast. We covered many miles and made some great memories. We flew into Boston, MA, drove with friends to Hartford,Connecticut, took a train to New York City, stayed in New Jersey, took a train back to Connecticut and then rented a car and drove to Palmyra, New York and Niagara Falls.

It sounds crazy but it was awesome! We were able to spend time with dear friends and visit unfamiliar places. We were pleasantly surprised that the stereotypes of New Yorkers was not true. Maybe BM softened their hearts with his serious stare-they gave up their seats on the subway, graciously offered directions, and were very kind to us. SheRoos finally got to see Wicked (which HeRoos even enjoyed) while BM took in the NY sites with a good friend.

While on vacation, we sold our home and closed on a new house. We flew back to Utah on Sunday night and moved to our new house the very next morning. Talk about a wild month!

Our greatest joy comes from those things that money cannot buy, love and friendship. We have been blessed with fabulous friends and loving family members. This time of year is great to remind us of CHRIST and all that He has blessed us with. May each of you have joy in your hearts and feel the positive vibes we're sending your way. :)

Sincerely,
The UnderRoos'
HeRoos, SheRoos, & BM

My Favorite Part of the Day

There is something I really look forward at this time of year...MAIL! It's like Christmas morning every day when I go out to the mail box. I love reading family updates and seeing pictures of friends and family. Mail is better than Christmas candy...and that's saying a lot!

Hooray for the new Biggest Loser!

Phew, I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo glad that Michelle won! SO SO SO SO relieved. With that being said, maybe I can get over my dislike for Vicky and wish her goodwill. Michelle really is deserving. Not only is she determined but she is also genuine and well spoken. Wouldn't it have been really great if Amy (Phillip's wife) would've won the $100,000 instead of Heba. Oh well. They all look fantastic. I think I'll get on the bike in the morning.

Too Hot? Too Cold?

BM causes his mom serious stress. This picture shows his preferred way of sleeping. Why does he have to cover his entire head with a blanket?! Every time I try to move it, he wakes up and throws a fit until he can bury his face in his blanket again.

I constantly worry that he is too cold or too hot. His room gets really cold because of the large window so we bought a space heater that has a timer on it. When we got our electric bill last month, guess how much it had increased? $28.00 just from a little space heater. We adjusted the settings and hopefully, BM will stay warm, but not too warm and not too cold.

I think I'll have a full head of gray hair by the time he starts kindergarten just worrying about his body temperature and his obsession with blankets.

Ho Ho Ho!

When we were at the mall Saturday, we couldn't say no to BM. He really wanted to talk to Santa. :) I don't think this Santa was much into talking. Who looks less happy to be there- baby or Saint Nick? BM was quite impressed with his shiny belt and long beard.

Next year, I think we should talk Grandpa into renting a Santa outfit and we can take all the pictures we want. Maybe it's inflation or maybe I just haven't paid for pictures with Santa. Regardless, they (whoever they are) sure know how to play parent's heartstrings while emptying their wallets.

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Oh the weather outside is frightful,





But the fire is so delightful,



And since we've no place to go,

(actually we do, but oh well)

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

Who Peed in my Cheerios?

It doesn't happen often but when it does, watch out! Some people say redheads have tempers. I've never really felt like this was true of me but for some reason I'm feeling a streak of impatience and grumpiness.

We were at Wal mart and there were people with their TWO carts pulled to the side of a busy aisle blocking traffic. As they were talking oblivious to the situation, I politely said, "Excuse me, there is a traffic jam." Did they move or care? NO. That's when I felt the frustration.

HeRoos just asked, "Are you really going to publish this?"

Another time I felt this way was when I was driving in a residential neighborhood and someone rode my bumper the entire way. Ooh, it ticked me off. She eventually revved her engine and went speeding around me. I think she may have been high or had some serious issues. Guess what I did. Yep, I got the license plate number and reported it. Hello?! There are kids walking!

I think it's a good sign that I can recognize this glitch in the system because that means I'm not calloused to grumpiness, right?

Well, don't you worry friends and dear husband because tomorrow I will wake up on the right side of the bed and guard my bowl of cheerios as I think of ways to spread holiday cheer.

My loving husband who knows just how to handle me said, "You should probably go to bed early." I can't help but laugh-The things I hated when I was younger are now cherished. You bet I'll go to bed early, take a bath, or even take a nap. Sign me up, quick!

Cell Phones Don't Swim

If you've been trying to get hold of me the past couple days, you've probably noticed it goes directly to voice mail. I dropped my phone in the bathtub and it still hasn't recovered. And NO, this wasn't intentionally done so I could get a new phone. I've been using HeRoos' old phone which drains the battery dry within hours. We just received the new battery in the mail a couple days before. I guess a lot of good that does. I'm really hoping I didn't lose my contact list. That would be a sad day. Until my frugal husband decides it's time to buy a land line or until I get a new cell phone, you can reach me by e-mail.

The Poop Pact

BM's blog name "B.M." seems to be a self fulfilling prophecy. He has messy, stinky, regular bowel movements. Regardless of the brand of diaper, he seems to have at least one blow out a day that requires an emergency strip down and bath.

HeRoos and BM have some kind of agreement- I call it the "Poop Pact." BM seems to conveniently have these blow outs when his dad is not home. Let's take today for example. HeRoos worked from home so he was around all day and then we ran errands together this evening. Nothing too messy from BM. That is until HeRoos dropped us off at home to run a couple more errands.

PPPPeeeee EEEEEEEEEwwww BM let loose right before bed and guess who was left to clean him up- not his dad! I was tempted to keep him up past his bedtime, sitting in his stinky diaper until HeRoos arrived home but then my conscience kicked in.

I can't stay upset for too long, just check out how innocent they look (these photos are from the vacation we took in September)...

Maid of the Mist (Niagara Falls)


(Palmyra, New York) LDS temple grounds


Duck Tour (Boston, MA)

Baby Pictures by HeRoos

A couple of months ago SheRoos and I were out shopping and we noticed a Sadie’s Photography near by. We (meaning SheRoos) realized that at 6 months of age, BM had never had any nice, professional, pictures taken. We went inside to take a look and ask some questions about what they offer. I pretty much ignored what they said and just looked at the price sheet, to which I again asked SheRoos why babies need professional pictures taken.

I understand it is a mommy thing, but in the end I will admit I had a lot of fun seeing the (my) cutest baby boy in the world get his picture taken. If was fun to see what cute poses you could get him to hold for 5 seconds (an eternity in baby time), and what props you could get him to play with (although in the end I felt like he was just as much a prop for his parents as anything else).

After all was said and done, and we were looking through the pictures taken to decide which ones to purchase, we were happy with them, but next time I think we will stick with Amanda Laing. Sadie’s on the other hand must have been very happy how they turned out because they made BM in to a super star baby model and put him front and (left of) center in their promotional fliers sent out in the mail. I am still waiting for my check in the mail that will to go towards a new big screen LCD TV I’ve had my eye on (oh…sorry…I mean it will go towards BM’s college tuition of course).

Bonding

There is something about making the bed with my hubby that I thoroughly enjoy. It's probably a one sided pleasure but it seems like we're united in a cause.

Bonding.

As we were rotating the mattress today and putting on clean sheets our conversation went something like this...

SheRoos: Do you remember when we were dating and I was appalled that you only washed your sheets once every six months?

HeRoos: Yea, and I was exaggerating. It's was more like once every two years. I just didn't want to gross you out.

SheRoos: EEeeewww

Disclaimer: Besides this one disgusting bachelor quality, he is extremely hygienically sound and washes thoroughly and regularly. :)

As we continued putting the pillows in the cases (which HeRoos despises) he said: I don't think a bed needs to be made if you're going to sleep in it within 24 hours.

Inspiring Blog

I can't control the tears. See why. I want a few minutes to just cry and pray for this remarkable family. Then I want to move forward and be a better mom, wife, person. I love being inspired.

Go Utes!

HeRoos has been 'under the weather' lately. Whatever he has will go away for a couple days and then come back. I don't like my man to be sick. He is a much better nurse/doctor than I am.



Even with him being sick, we couldn't pass up our chance to cheer on the Utes against TCU. HeRoos' brother gave us tickets and his sister babysat BM. We hiked up the insanely steep hill, froze our buns off, and endured annoying fans but the last three minutes of the game made it all worth it.




Can you tell that most of the fans are wearing black? I'm still not quite sure why- maybe black out symbolizing the game not being televised on local channels, a way to sell more paraphernalia, or a threatening statement. Regardless of the reason, it was an awesome sight and the football players looked great in their black and red uniforms.



(NO, HeRoos is not copping a feel. His hands were numb and I was wearing many layers)
Instead, notice the fans rushing the field after the game. The energy in the stadium was undeniable.




Check out the score board behind HeRoos and Grandpa V. Way to go Utes!

Random Acts of Kindness

This article reminded me of when we were in New York and took this picture.

Attack of the Fruit Flies

Our house is hosting a fruit fly convention and I want the party to end pronto! I called my mom and asked her how to get rid of them. Her response was simple, "Throw away your fruit." I followed her advice and they're still around. I even rolled up a magazine and had a killing frenzy (with not too much guilt). For every fly I swatted, five more emerged. I found a few dead in a swimming pool of orange juice. I can't even leave spoons out while cooking. They make my skin crawl. Help!

There is Sunshine In My Soul Today...

I can't help but sing that song today, and mean it. I feel so happy. I feel so grateful. There are so many things that I have to be joyful about.

* I am living my dream of being a wife and mother. I adore my husband and everyday I thank God above for saving him for me. I joke that HeRoos' shyness put him just under the single-woman-radar but really I think he had a shield that could be broken only by me. I know, I know, I've always been a romantic but I can't help it if I am head over heals for my husband.



* If I could have any job in the world, I would want to be a stay at home mom. It's happening and I am so grateful. I'm afraid BM may develop callouses from all the kisses but he is so irresistible and I just can't stop. I am loving every minute of the stage he's in now. He's happy, healthy, alert and he's not mobile yet. I can still get things done.




* I am happy that we have elected a new president, Barack Obama, to lead our country. I am inspired by his determination, strength, and heart. I am overjoyed that Americans are looking past skin color barriers and at the heart. John McCain also impressed me with his concession speech last night. I'm sure his pride is bruised but he is fully supportive of Obama as President. I pray that Obama will bring about positive change. I also pray that he will allow God to guide him in all the decisions he makes. God bless America!



With all of these things that I have to celebrate, please don't think I have a perfect life. Quite contrary. BUT I do have so much to thank the Lord above for. A broken dishwasher, car in need of repair, and a few extra pounds aren't enough to stop me from letting the sunshine in!

Neighborhood Watch Eye

I have designated myself to be the Neighborhood Watch Eye. I even pulled out the binoculars. No people, it's not to snoop on my neighbors. Rumor has it that there was a mountain lion spotted on the mountain near our home. Scary! As I was on watch today, I spotted three deer. Maybe, they'll take it for the team (do they consider me on the same team since I've never hunted before???).

Dumb Question

Yes, there is such a thing as a dumb question. For example...

SheRoos: Hey, babe-a-licious, (yes, that is what I call my hubby, because it's true) do you know where the camera is?

HeRoos: Where did you have it last?

Biggest Loser

This is the one show that HeRoos and I watch on a regular basis. We even record it if we're not home. We love it! We're watching it now and I just have to say...Vicki is NOT very nice. Even Bob clued in. It's interesting how we really want to see these people succeed and reach their goals. The sad part is when HeRoos and I watch it, we usually have either a bowl of popcorn or ice cream in our hands. Does anyone else find the product placement a little annoying?

Father Like Son

Our ward Halloween party was tonight. Can you tell what BM is? I sent pictures to HeRoos at work and he had no idea.




Look at the little stinker go for it!













HeRoos said this is the only time his son is allowed to wear tights.

Cheap Labor

My mom, who I think may possibly be one of the nicest people alive, offered her services to help us settle into our new home. My dad has been out of town on business so my mom spent a few days with us. She offered to paint AND clean out the garage.


The only requests she had was for her eye brows to be plucked and the fridge stocked with Diet Coke. What a deal!



She has rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and she is older than I am and has twice the energy. She really is Grandma Go-Go. Maybe, her secret is Diet Coke?

Southern Utah University

OK, all you T-birds out there, it's time to put your blog link on the SUU alumni blog http://suualumni.blogspot.com/. Just leave a comment and they'll put you on the Alumni Friends list. Pass the word along.

Grandma's Diaper

While visiting my parents for dinner today, BM made a very special present for Grandma Go-Go to unwrap. It was smelly and messy-his best work. Unfortunately, BM's parents didn't pack enough diapers (boo for them, this isn't the first time, boo again). Grandma got creative and made a homemade diaper and used scotch tape to seal it shut.




It seemed to be just fine with exception to the *"Melvin." That is until we arrived home and took BM out of his car seat. Ooops! Looks like mom and dad need to put extra diapers in the car and at the grandparents, just in case the diaper bag runs short.



* Melvin
Noun. When ones trousers become caught up between ones buttocks

Bossy

There are a million things on our "To Do" list. Since it's Saturday and I can take advantage of HeRoos' man strength, I asked him to move something. He looked up at me and said, "You're not going to boss me around all day are you?" I laughed and responded with a, "Yes." I'm in the zone and this is what needs to be done... We need to clean out the garage so our cars can fit. There is NO excuse this time-we have an extra garage to store junk in.

Get rid of that scary gold hardware. We are sanding and painting them silver. I'm still not sure what I think. We want to change the paint ALL over the house. It is BOLD and scary (and I prefer neutral colors). Yes, I know I'm boring.

The stairs HeRoos and BM fell down. Any suggestions for what we should do with the cut out in the wall and where to hang pictures? I actually don't mind this wall.
Put together work out equipment-this room is in the basement.
Why does the really great bathroom have to be downstairs? Maybe, I can workout and then shower in here and pretend I'm at a fitness club.
Paint the guest room so when you visit, you won't dream of butterflies.
I'm fine with the kitchen. I love this little cubby in the kitchen.
Eventually we need to sand and reseal the hardwood floors and paint our kitchen table (it's looking pretty bad after HeRoos used it as a work table when he was tiling).
BM's room. I love the mural on the wall.
We have a lot of yard work ahead of us but that's the part I'm looking forward to in the Spring.
We love the privacy of our backyard. There is a canal separating us from that house in the distance. Although, they could probably see us if we decided to streak through the house at night with the lights on.

We've ordered couches for this room (which is a story all on it's own-I love being right). Any suggestions on paint color or decorations?

Our BIG project today is to take down the blinds from all over the house and scrub them clean. They are disgusting. I also want to plant bulbs. Tulips, daffodils, and crocus are some of my favorite flowers. We also need to start taping and painting. Almost every room in the house needs a fresh coat of paint.

This may surprise you- I don't like home projects. I despise painting and sanding sends chills up my spine. I love being in a home that is spic and span and ready to be lived in. So why did we buy a home that needs some work? Well, we LOVE the area. It's wonderful being surrounded by mountains. So far, the people in the community have been everything we've been praying for, and the house has a lot of potential. We can really see ourselves raising our family here. Even with all the work ahead of us, I am one happy and grateful lady right now.

Time Suckers...

I've had great intentions of updating our blog but I get online and have to read every one's blogs and then check my facebook account (which I'm new at). By that time, I'm sick of being on the computer and the blog doesn't get updated.

Firsts

BM has had many firsts these last few weeks. First cab ride (annoying crazy driver), first boat ride (very wet), first New York City subway ride (very very dirty), and many more mostly pleasant firsts. But today he had some not so fun firsts. Today was his first trip to the emergency room visit, his first x-rays, his first bloody nose, and his first broken nose. I was walking down the stairs with BM in one arm while talking to SheRoos with my cell phone when I slipped and my feet fell out from under me. BM slipped out of my hands and we both went tumbling down the stairs with BM taking a nasty hit at the bottom. BM will be ok and thank goodness the x-rays came out negative for any fractures. Before becoming a first time parent I didn’t truly realized how much I would love my child and how much terror I would have at the thought of him being seriously hurt. The doctor said he will swell up in and around his nose the next few days but should be fine.

-HeRoos